European journal of anaesthesiology. Supplement
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Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl · Jan 2002
ReviewSex differences in analgesic responses: evidence from experimental pain models.
Sex-related influences on the experience of pain have received considerable empirical attention. Women are at greater risk for several forms of clinical pain and exhibit greater perceptual responses to experimental pain. In recent years, investigators have turned their attention to the influence of sex-related factors on analgesic responses. The purpose of this review is to examine the literature on sex differences in analgesic responses, emphasizing findings from experimental studies. ⋯ Both previous research and preliminary findings from our laboratory suggests that opioids produce greater analgesic responses in women than men. Potential mechanisms underlying sex differences in analgesia are proposed, and important directions for future research are suggested.